Art or Craft?

Art vs Craft. Let me venture into the relationship between the terms "Art" and "Craft".


I realize that most dictionaries tend to define these two words basically as the same, often using one in the definition of the other. But for the purpose of discussing the Inner Vision, let me propose the following: Consider that "Craft" is that which is done when a person is using an existing or previously existing physical or mental model for his or her work. On the other hand, "Art" is that which is done when a person is using an archetype (those basic images of ritual or our common mythological vision) as the model for the work.

In this case, the person who is creating the replica of a table or chair used by settlers in the 1700's would be a good example of "craft". The replica's value is measured by its faithfulness to its model, and can, by definition, never be "better " than its model.

In the production of "Art", one is seeking to produce an image that may create an emotional or spiritual response within the viewer that will be better than that created by its actual, physical counterpart. Such an example of "Art" might be Ansel Adams' photograph of Moonrise Over Hernandez. . Here, the photograph is really not that of a moon rising over Hernandez, New Mexico - that has been proven by countless photographers who have gone to the same place at appropriate times and gotten a simple photo. What Adams did was not to copy the moonrise that day at that place, but to actually photograph "Moonrise", itself, perhaps we could even call that "Moonriseness". (Take your choice between Plato or Jung, but now we are really talking about what it means for a moon to rise in our own consciousness.) This photograph has become a creative work of art to which other actual moonrises, themselves, will be compared, and can be measured against.

Now, to carry that image farther, when we go out to replicate Adams' photo, whether in New Mexico or North Carolina, are we using art or craft? I would say it is craft if we are trying to copy a photo similar to the Hernandez photo, but it is art if we are giving a form to the attunement we are experiencing when we watch the moonrise. The archetype is always filled with possibilities, whereas a model is fixed and limited

The painting artist who is painting a barn is a good example: If he or she is preparing to paint a picture of Bob Jones' barn, then the painting can never be more than just a copy of that barn; but if it is painting the concept of Barn, itself, perhaps a memory from one's childhood or tales one heard from parents, then the possibilities are limitless.

Should one then try to do Art rather than just Craft? No, indeed not! My opinion is that every photographer's portfolio should be rich with both Craft and Art. You can always do Craft work whenever you go out, the emotional and spiritual work of Art becomes a natural extension of your physical and mental skill as a craftsman and as an explorer.

How does this affect the Inner Vision? To me, this concept is a constant reminder for me to ask myself when I view a scene: Am I just looking at the cover, or am I opening the book?

© John Womack, 2006. All rights reserved.